Posted By Brandon Simmons on March 15, 2018

For most of us, the appeal of retirement is due in great part to the freedom that it provides. The freedom to travel, re-discover a hobby, or spend time with loved ones, all while untethered from the distractions and restraints of employment.

One of the methods available to enjoy this freedom is a Home Equity Mortgage Conversion Mortgage (HECM) or reverse mortgage.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on March 14, 2018

Getting back into the home buying market after a foreclosure is daunting, but not as uncommon as you might think. The housing crisis a decade ago left millions of homeowners in foreclosure, but many have already overcome the higher hurdles of buying their next home.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on March 12, 2018

Spring will be here in just a few weeks, and as the weather warms up it’s a perfect time to do a few maintenance items around your home to protect your investment. Here’s a good checklist to guide you through your spring inspection.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on March 8, 2018

Out with the old, and in with the new. It’s the mantra of spring cleaning, and it’s not just relegated to boxes of unused items stored in the garage. With the warmer summer months right around the corner, homeowners should ensure their homes are sealed and as energy efficient as possible.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on March 7, 2018

Not everyone craves the energy of city living (and sometimes the hassles that can arise from it). Luckily, mortgages aren’t one-size-fits-all. There’s even a specific loan to help encourage home ownership outside the most densely populated areas of the United States.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on March 5, 2018

First impressions are important when selling a home, and the best way to make a good first impression is with curb appeal. Failing to maintain the outside of your home can turn off potential home buyers, but with a little thought and planning, you can have maximum impact on a minimum budget.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on March 1, 2018

Before taking out a home equity conversion mortgage (or HECM) loan, you’re required by law to take part in a third-party counseling session with a government-approved housing counselor. This counseling session is meant to help you and other potential borrowers be fully versed in all the options available, be educated on the HECM itself and provide you with support and guidance throughout it all.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on February 28, 2018

Before anyone buys a first home, they have a picture in their mind of what it might include, and how it might look. The good news is that you don’t have to be an architecture buff to learn the basics, which can aid you in your search to finding a dream residence.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on February 26, 2018

February marks a time of reflection in the history of our country, and this Black History Month, we celebrate the triumphs of African American heroes. Through grit and incredible resolve, many became homeowners despite incredible odds and extreme racial prejudice. Below, we recognize the men and women that helped make strides in many aspects of social justice,

Posted By Brandon Simmons on February 22, 2018

When springtime arrives, temperatures rise and the real estate market heats up. Most of us know how to take advantage of the warmer weather, but home sellers hoping to make the most of the peak season may benefit from some proven advice. Focusing on a few key areas can go a long way toward making your home stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on February 21, 2018

Like any other government regulated programs, the reverse mortgage industry experiences regular updates as mandated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Our reverse mortgage specialists can answer your specific questions, but this broad overview of the recent changes to the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program (HECM) will ensure you’re an educated borrower.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on February 16, 2018

A reverse mortgage offers homeowners age 62 and older an affordable avenue to access their home equity. For some, this provides an opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream, while others may simply make it a part of their retirement strategy.

In any case, tapping into your home’s value also makes you contractually obligated to be a responsible homeowner.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on February 12, 2018

Black History Month celebrates the achievements of African Americans and recognizes their central role in American history. It’s also an opportunity to appreciate the advancement of civil rights, and highlight the deficiencies that still exist.

One way to ensure progress continues is by asserting the rights that we all share,

Posted By Brandon Simmons on February 8, 2018

Most first-time home owners understand the difference between achieving the dream of buying a home versus buying a “dream home.” Part of a very personal decision-making process for buyers that know what they can realistically afford means making the latter distinction. Which means you’re probably asking yourself: How can I get the most out of my first home while staying within my budget?

Posted By Brandon Simmons on February 7, 2018

A credit score shouldn’t be taken lightly (it’s a necessary and important part of your financial life, after all!), but it doesn’t have to be scary, either. Credit scores will ebb and flow based on lots of factors, but here’s the most important thing: getting your score into optimal range IS achievable,

Posted By Brandon Simmons on February 5, 2018

A fresh coat of paint and trendy design can certainly impact a homebuyer’s first impression, but those efforts may not translate to more money in the seller’s pocket. Homeowners focused on maximum value should consider improvement projects that go beyond aesthetics.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on February 1, 2018

If you’re in the market for a reverse mortgage (also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM), it’s a guarantee you’ll have a lot of questions, including what you’ll need to provide to make it happen. Even in the digital age, documents and paperwork can take some time and planning,

Posted By Brandon Simmons on January 31, 2018

Despite the “reality” shown on popular HGTV shows, buying a home isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. Real-life issues are bound to emerge after your offer is accepted and the loan process is underway. While there’s no reason to be pessimistic, it’s never a bad thing to be prepared for unseen obstacles.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on January 25, 2018

Buying a home is a huge decision. There are lots of questions to ask and pros and cons to weigh before you ever commit to making an offer. But, it’s the financial decisions you made before you started shopping—and the story they tell about you—that could prove to be just as critical.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on January 18, 2018

Buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction. It involves many steps, from listing to closing, and each one can be a source of frustration, especially if either party is unclear about the purpose or unsure about what to expect.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on January 17, 2018

Even in the best case scenarios, change isn’t easy. Retiring is an exciting, but complex process, and if you’re retiring in 2018, it’s important to prepare for what comes next. We’ve put together a game plan to help you stay on track.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on January 11, 2018

Shopping for your first home is exciting. But, it can also be overwhelming. What you won’t see on most of those home-buying television shows is the preparation that goes into applying and qualifying for a mortgage, often before the shopping process even begins.

A little proactive effort before falling in love with a home can go a long way toward a smooth process.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on January 10, 2018

Have you taken your retirement planning far enough? You’ve probably thought about your financial security, investment options, and how to spend the well-deserved freedom that retirement brings, but your strategy shouldn’t end there.

Creating an aging plan to guide the decisions you, and your loved ones,

Posted By Brandon Simmons on January 5, 2018

At the start of every year, we look forward to new beginnings and continued growth, and 2018 is no different. However, it is a big year for us. We’re toasting to a significant milestone in the company’s history: on January 5, Open Mortgage celebrates 15 years in business.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on December 18, 2017

Home equity conversion mortgages (HECM), also known as reverse mortgages, let eligible Americans 62 and older borrow money from their home equity. While HECMs can be a powerful tool for certain individuals and families, they’re not meant for everyone. Watch this video to learn if a HECM could be right for you.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on December 13, 2017

They say it’s the most wonderful time of year.

With holiday parties, out-of-town visitors, and plenty of excuses to try a multitude of tasty treats, there’s definitely lots to look forward to—even as the days get shorter and the weather turns colder.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on December 12, 2017

Home ownership is more than just a house with your name on it; it’s a financial opportunity that can create security over the years through life’s ups and downs. Whatever your goals, the right mortgage can help you along the way.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on December 7, 2017

The holidays aren’t joyful when you’re stressed. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of the season with the expectations of gift-giving, party attending, volunteering and decorating. There’s nothing wrong with any of those activities, but squeezing all of it into the normal routine can seem daunting at times.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on December 4, 2017

Our lives change over time, and so do our financial realities. In the ebb and flow between milestones, the good news is that you can capitalize on the planning you’ve already put into place by leveraging your home’s equity and refinancing your mortgage. Refinancing isn’t for everyone’s situation; it can cost from 3% to 6% of the loan’s principal,

Posted By Brandon Simmons on November 30, 2017

Winter is coming.

Though the dip in weather comes as a welcome relief to a warm summer, it can be tough on your home. Freezing temperatures, wind and ice may be just an occasional worry or a recurring threat, depending on the climate where you reside.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on November 28, 2017

The wellbeing of a child is typically a parent’s highest priority; parents make every effort to keep them healthy, happy and safe. However, as time goes on, these roles can reverse, with adult children feeling responsible for the care of their aging parents.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on November 27, 2017

‘Tis the season for eating large meals with heavy sides, and frankly, we’ve been waiting all year. However, if you’re feeling like you might want to switch to something a little less nap-inducing, there are options when it comes to the leftovers.

Just a little creativity (and reading this blog post) can help you battle the bulge this holiday season.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on November 22, 2017

Home ownership is not just a monetary investment. It takes funds, usually a mortgage (we can help with that) as well as time and energy, but owning a home is also a mental and emotional investment that can pay off in positive, sometimes unexpected ways.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on November 14, 2017

Retirement is a great time to start a regular volunteering gig. Not only is it a great way to ward off some of the boredom and loneliness that can come with major life changes (like retirement), it’s also a way to help others and get to know your community.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on November 13, 2017

A home warranty sounds like a good idea, but do you really know what it covers? Depending on your situation, it may not be necessary (and you can put that hard earned cash back into your newly purchased home).

Posted By Brandon Simmons on November 9, 2017

There’s no shortage of choices when it comes to a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). Also commonly referred to as a reverse mortgage, it offers an array of options that can be tailored to specific needs of the borrower.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on November 8, 2017

A great handyman is worth their weight in gold. Finding someone you can trust can be a daunting task, but putting in research and effort on the front-end could prevent a lot of inconvenience and expense over the long term. Consider employing these must-ask questions before you shake hands and sign a contract with anyone working inside your home.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on November 6, 2017

The pride of home ownership often includes keeping up your property’s curb appeal. The stars and stripes might be the perfect finishing touch, but did you know there are special guidelines for displaying and handling a U.S. flag? We’re here to guide you through it so you’re ready to go by Veteran’s Day,

Posted By Brandon Simmons on November 3, 2017

VA loans are home mortgages designed specifically for veterans that have served a minimum of 90 days on active duty. Developed and guaranteed by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, approved lenders can issue home loans to veterans without the stipulations of a traditional loan. Here’s everything you need to know (and more) if you’re a veteran looking to buy,

Posted By Brandon Simmons on November 1, 2017

“No personal photos!” Some experts say it’s the first rule of home staging when you’re putting your house on the market. But what else should you do to beef up your curb (and interior) appeal? As you put those precious memories in storage to prepare for your home’s market debut,

Posted By Brandon Simmons on October 24, 2017

At Open Mortgage, it is our belief that we should all be on a journey to self-improvement. As we age, there are additional considerations to apply to this journey we call life, but the heart of it remains the same: How can I improve myself and,

Posted By Brandon Simmons on October 19, 2017

Buying a house is exciting. Moving is not. But there are strategies that can help you make it as painless as possible. If you’re moving within six weeks, you’ll have no problems mastering a mega move. Moving in less time than that? Some of these plans can be reorganized to fit your schedule.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on October 17, 2017

We can’t predict our futures, but we can plan for contingencies, especially as we age. AARP’s research shows that nearly 90% of seniors wish to stay in their own homes as they age. After all, home is where the heart is, it’s where we find comfort and familiarity and often,

Posted By Brandon Simmons on October 12, 2017

Part of the joy of home ownership is settling into the neighborhood and forming long-lasting friendships. Starting an annual Halloween party tradition brings the community together for something to look forward to all year long, whether guests are eight or 80 years old. Here are three ideas that are sure to be the hit of any neighborhood.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on October 10, 2017

Student loan debt have you worried about applying for a mortgage? It isn’t the loan itself that can affect your mortgage qualifications, but the amount you owe on that loan compared to your income, as well as the amount of the mortgage itself. Here are some basic factors that your lender will consider.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on October 9, 2017

If you’ve found yourself in a house that has rooms going unused, or you’ve abandoned your sewing, crafting or model ship-building room, there are plenty of ways to get that square footage back to work. While some of these are easy to implement, others may take a little bit of preparation and foresight,

Posted By Brandon Simmons on October 5, 2017

No one expects to lose a home in a natural disaster, so when the worst is realized, we do our best to put one foot in front of the other. That said, picking up the pieces following a catastrophic storm like Hurricane Harvey or Irma can be overwhelming and confusing.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on October 4, 2017

Are you green with envy when you walk into someone’s house beautifully adorned with well-maintained plants? Don’t be! Anyone can have a house full of plants if you pick the right ones. House plants don’t only function as beautiful reminders of the outdoors for homeowners, they also help purify the air,

Posted By Brandon Simmons on October 3, 2017

Home gardening can be a great relaxing hobby, but it can also be intimidating if you’re inexperienced. Luckily, there’s a YouTube channel for that. In fact, there are quite a few YouTube channels for that. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, knowledge or instruction, these four YouTube channels are some of the best resources around when you’re looking to get your hands dirty.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on October 2, 2017

You’re thinking of purchasing a home. Congratulations! Now for the big decisions. Do you want something that you can put your personal fingerprint on, or something with fingerprint-proof appliances? Do you want to retile the bathroom to your ideal color and shape, or enjoy a relaxing bath without eyeing the grout lines?

Posted By Micah on September 27, 2017

Open Mortgage is committed to keeping all of our customers up to date on today’s reverse mortgage environment. Recently, The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced changes to both the Reverse Mortgage Initial Principal Limit (“PL” – the amount you are able to borrow) and the Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP).

Posted By Micah on September 25, 2017

Although solar power has been around for generations, it was not long ago where the technology was both expensive and inefficient. Early solar panels could only convert a small percentage of solar radiation to energy, and the cost per watt of the technology was well outside of the range necessary to bring about a good return on your investment.

Posted By Micah on September 20, 2017

There is nothing quite like traveling across the country in an RV. For many seniors, the activity has long been on their “bucket list,” as there is never a better time to explore all that the United States – and possibly even Canada, Mexico, or wherever the road takes you.

Posted By Micah on September 18, 2017

Your FICO credit score plays a key role in your ability to apply for a low interest mortgage. The higher your credit score, the more lenders are able to offer you a competitive rate on your loan. For those who are looking at buying a new home, it’s important to prioritize fixing your credit score in order to ensure that you receive the best rate possible.

Posted By Micah on September 14, 2017

Only a couple weeks after Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, Hurricane Irma has devastated Florida this past weekend. There is no denying that homes all over the region are going to sustain damage, including flood damage from each hurricane’s harsh rain.

Posted By Micah on September 13, 2017

In the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, many uncommon homeowner and mortgage scenarios have been thrust into the spotlight. As those in Houston and the surrounding areas are faced with unimaginable challenges from this surprise hurricane, the following tips may give guidance and peace of mind.

One such situation involves a house that is damaged during escrow – when the homebuyer is under contract to purchase the home,

Posted By Brandon Simmons on September 6, 2017

Before you can receive a home equity conversion mortgage (also known as reverse mortgage), you’re required to take part in a third party counseling session with a government-approved counselor. This counseling session helps you learn more about the loan.

Depending on your financial circumstances, there could be fees for this session.

Posted By Micah on August 30, 2017

When you apply for a reverse mortgage loan, you will need to provide some documentation. It is a good idea to create a checklist of all the documents that you may need for the reverse mortgage process.

This video breaks down the documents you should gather before applying for a reverse mortgage.

Posted By Micah on August 24, 2017

Retirement is meant to be a time of self-exploration, fun, and relaxation. You spent 40+ years working hard, and retirement is your reward for that hard work. Many seniors take advantage of their free time with vacations, especially cruises, which provide the ultimate escape from day to day life.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on August 14, 2017

Over the past few years, more and more homeowners are investing in environmentally friendly home renovations. Not only are these upgrades good for the environment – they also have the potential to improve the value of your property and increase your home’s equity, while possibly decreasing energy consumption costs as well.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on August 10, 2017

Reverse mortgages provide seniors with an opportunity to take out a home loan on the equity of their current home. Seniors can continue to live on their property without making any additional mortgage payments. Interest is added to the balance of the loan.

Posted By Brandon Simmons on July 31, 2017

Five Questions to Ask a Prospective Realtor

When it comes to buying and selling your home, having the right Realtor can help you buy your dream house or sell your existing home quickly. Realtors perform literally hundreds of functions for individual homebuyers and sellers,

Posted By Justin Tuttle on July 25, 2017

Everyone knows the most enjoyable part of buying a home is house hunting (we even enjoy watching other people search for their homes!). It’s fun to explore different neighborhoods and settings while planning your future.

Posted By Justin Tuttle on July 17, 2017

Until the last decade, if you were 62 or older and and wanted to buy a new home, your options were limited by the equity accessed from selling your home, your cash savings, and the size of any mortgage you could obtain. But in 2009,

Posted By Justin Tuttle on June 29, 2017

The VA loan allows veterans, active members of the military, and surviving spouses to purchase a home with zero down payment unless required by a lender, or unless a purchase price is more than a property’s reasonable value.

Posted By Justin Tuttle on June 22, 2017

For homebuyers, having a good credit score is an important part of the mortgage process, and it can save you you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.While you can build a good credit score with a range of strategies,

Posted By Justin Tuttle on June 13, 2017

One of the biggest advantages of owning a home is building home equity. Home equity is the current market value of a home minus its outstanding mortgage balance. In simple terms, it’s home ownership that you build by making monthly mortgage payments.

Every home is a milestone. Every mortgage is a cornerstone. Whether you're buying a new home, remodeling or ready to refinance,
we understand that a loan is more than a tool to achieve your dreams -- it's a belief in you and the importance of
your goals.

Refinancing a home

Take advantage of a lower rate that could reduce your monthly payment or change the term of your loan. Our outstanding customer
service and commitment to provide transparent communications means that Open Mortgage makes your priorities our mission.

About Us

Open Mortgage is a multi-channel mortgage lender. We believe that better is possible, and we are constantly striving to bring a better mortgage experience to everyone.